Question 1

Drive not detected?

Accepted Answer

Reseat the SATA data and power cables, try another SATA port, and check BIOS/UEFI for the disk. Set the controller to AHCI unless you are intentionally using RAID.

Question 2

Install fails?

Accepted Answer

Install the correct Intel/AMD chipset SATA/AHCI driver for your motherboard, run the installer as administrator, then reboot. Avoid old WD SES packages unless using a supported external enclosure.

Question 3

Version conflicts?

Accepted Answer

Remove or roll back mismatched storage drivers; use the motherboard vendor’s WHQL driver or Windows’ inbox AHCI driver. Do not mix RAID and AHCI drivers on the same controller.

Western Digital WD20EARS Driver